NECF/ZITF Biz conference to focus on trade

ECONOMIC think-tank, the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF) in conjunction with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), will host an international business conference aimed at locating ways of stimulating exports.

The conference, which will be held on April 29, will run concurrently with the 2015 edition of the ZITF.

Zimbabwe is actively looking for ways of improving its trade balance.

Last year, the country’s trade deficit topped US$3 billion.

This year’s business conference will run under the theme “Stimulating exports – seizing opportunities to accelerate growth under ZimAsset”.

Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa and various captains of industry are also expected to make presentations.

The NECF believes this year’s conference will try to explore conditions that are conducive for trade.

“In an open economy like Zimbabwe, where trade is one of the major drivers of economic growth, survival therefore requires export-orientation and international competitiveness.

“Trade provides opportunities for businesses and enterprises to expand their production and create more and better jobs,” said NECF.